Photinia 'Redstart'
Christmas berry
An evergreen shrub or small tree, to around 5m high, with an upright habit and leaves that emerge bronze red in spring, and mature to glossy dark green. Dense clusters of small white flowers appear in early summer, followed by small orange-red berries flushed with yellow
Synonyms
× Stranvinia 'Redstart'× Stranvinia dummeri 'Redstart'
see morePhotinia × stransvaesia 'Red Start'
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Red Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Photinia can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves and panicles of small white flowers, usually followed by red berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. See photinia cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Trim hedges two or three times during the growing season, to maintain shape and encourage new red foliage. May be pruned hard in spring to regenerate if necessary. Pruning may reduce flowering and fruiting. See pruning group 10 for further advice
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, a leaf spot, honey fungus and powdery mildews
Get involved
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